Memphis Grizzlies vs New York Knicks Prediction: Bet on the Knicks

New York approaches the new season noticeably revamped, and their first test in the regular season will be Memphis. The Knicks lost twice to the Grizzlies last season — can they get revenge?

The Grizzlies reached the 2nd round last playoffs, where they lost to future champions Golden State. Ja Morant's injury may have hampered the Grizzlies at the time, but even with the young playmaker back, Memphis' roster is not optimal. Jaren Jackson Jr. is unlikely to return to the floor before the New Year. Dillon Brooks was recently injured and his participation in the game with New York is highly questionable. Ziaire Williams missed his last preseason game and is not on the roster either. Even in that situation the Grizzlies' roster is quite diverse as they have a lot of young players like Santi Aldama and Xavier Tillman. On the power forward position Brandon Clarke will replace Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams recovers his starting center role.

Taylor Jenkins' team has three wins in five preseason games, losing only to Orlando and Miami. Last game the Grizzlies defeated Detroit 126-111 on the road. The game was decided in the final quarter as Memphis defended well with 7 steals and the extra possessions allowed for a fast break. Ja Morant led his team offensively with 31 points and Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane had 16 points apiece.

Even before Jalen Brunson was signed, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks and Kemba Walker left the Knicks in the offseason, and there weren't many new recruits overall. Isaiah Hartenstein will now be a backup to Mitchell Robinson, who will secure the role of starting center. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk will try to use his last chance to stay in the NBA, he could be a useful sniper for New York. Evan Fournier earned his place in the starting five thanks to his three-point shooting, and the team could really use a first-round shooter. Brunson could become a full-fledged star for the club as he previously played with Luka Doncic and wasn't a key playmaker. Jalen was very good in the playoffs, and Dallas got to the Western Conference Finals on his own merit. Only Quentin Grimes is sidelined while the rest are ready to play against Memphis.

Tom Thibodeau's team won 3 of 4 games in the preseason, and New York faced Indiana twice and traded home wins. The Knicks were stronger than Washington, 105-89, in their last game. R.J. Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson combined for 66 points, their sole credit for New York's success. Only Brunson, Barrett and McBride made shots from beyond the arc that night, while Grimes, Randle, Quickley, Fournier, Topping, Rose and Hartenstein combined to miss all 19 of their attempts. One of the key factors was the Knicks' 19 offensive rebounds, nine of which came from Robinson.

Memphis has dealt well with losses in the past, but there are a lot of injured players now. Zaire Williams could fill in for Dillon Brooks, but injuries to both are becoming a serious problem for the Grizzlies. The role of Jaren Jackson Jr. is underrated; the Grizzlies simply don't have bigs of that level throwing. Yes, New York disappointed last season and didn't make the playoffs, but it has clearly gotten stronger with the arrival of Jalen Brunson. R.J. Barrett continues to progress, Julius Randle is capable of improving, and Mitchell Robinson is already very good on both ends of the floor. We suggest betting on the following outcomes:

• H2 (+4.5) for 1.88;
• W2 (incl. OT) for 2.55;
• TO (225.5) for 1.83.

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